Lifestyle

Guardia Civil officer monitoring traffic on a Spanish road as authorities warn drivers about dangerous distractions behind the wheel. Credit : Ivanb.photo, Shutterstock Most drivers assume the biggest danger on the road is speeding or alcohol. But Spain’s traffic police say the reality is different. According to the Guardia Civil Traffic Division, the main cause of road accidents in Spain …

If you’ve moved to Spain from the UK, Ireland, Germany, or anywhere else in northern Europe, you almost certainly know what a roadworthiness test is. The UK has its MOT. Germany has the TÜV. Ireland has the NCT.Spain has the ITV — the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos — and in 2026 it just got considerably more serious.New enforcement rules, zero-tolerance …

ASSSA is committed to providing multilingual, personalised service. Credit: PeopleImages / Shutterstock In order to start a new life, you must embrace new traditions, new experiences and a different lifestyle. For you to enjoy this new chapter, it’s important that you feel safe. To ensure peace of mind, it is essential to have medical, hospital and surgical cover. What is …

Estepona used to be Marbella’s quieter neighbour. A charming town, a nice beach, a relaxed pace. That description no longer fits in 2026. Estepona is now one of the fastest-growing towns on the entire Costa del Sol. New Golden Mile developments, a €113 million marina redevelopment, a 20% property tax cut, and a surge in international buyers have transformed it …

You’ve made the move. The sun is out, the rosé is cold, and the car is sitting on a Spanish street. Then someone asks: “Are you properly insured in Spain?” For thousands of expats across the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and the Balearic Islands, the honest answer in 2026 is still: “I’m not entirely sure.” That uncertainty is costing …

A Spanish court awarded €10,000 to a cyclist after a crash linked to a poorly maintained road surface. Credit: yuriyt / Shutterstock A landmark court ruling in Spain has awarded €10,000 to a cyclist injured by a road defect, sending out a strong warning to local authorities about negligence in maintenance. If you cycle or drive regularly on Spanish road, …

If there’s one question that dominates every UK expat Facebook group in Spain, it’s this: “Should I bring my car from the UK, or buy one here?”Before Brexit, the answer was simple — bring it over, re-register it, done. A few hundred euros in paperwork and you were legal. Since January 2021, the answer has become considerably more complicated, considerably …

Cupra Born, the latest version. Cupra Cupra launched the new version of Born, the first electric car from the brand. It was a car that stood out when it was launched from other similar EVs. This writer believes it retains its style advantage.  As little needed to be changed, the changes in the styling were subtle. The interior and battery …

Wendy knows it’s important to find a good sitter for Millie. She reads reviews. Credit: Lamia Walker. Many pet and home owners are worried about meeting new sitters. It’s a common concern. You can learn a lot by performing due diligence and choosing a good platform for house-sitting. Also, read reviews of both the platform as well as the house-sitters. …

Marbella has one of the most extraordinary used car markets in Europe. Nowhere else on the continent will you find a relatively modest dealership on the N-340 with a Ferrari 458, a Porsche Cayenne, and a Range Rover Sport sitting side by side — all at prices that look, on paper, almost too good to be true. For expats arriving …